Novel targeted extraction of lithium: An environment-friendly controlled sulfidation roasting technology and mechanism for recovering spent lithium-ion batteries

Due to the needs of protecting the environment and recycling resources, the extraction of lithium from spent lithium -ion batteries has become increasingly important. Different from the traditional roasting process, a novel approach for the selective recovery of lithium from spent LiCoO 2 (SLCO) through low -temperature sulfidation roasting was proposed in the present work. The thermodynamics of the sulfidation roasting was investigated and phase transformation was detected. The results showed that the S 2 gas generated from the decomposition of pyrite converted LiCoO 2 into Li 2 SO 4 and cobalt sulfides. Under optimal experimental conditions, lithium can be selectively leached with a yield of more than 99% through water immersion treatment, resulting in around 20% improvement in the overall recovery rate of the metal compared to current industrial practices. The thermochemical process did not produce toxic SO x gases, whereas the selective leaching process for lithium did not require additional reagents, resulting in good environmental and economic benefits.